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Plateaus and confusionDiscussion started by Jaemi |
Subject Description
Hi all! So, recently, I hit a sort of plateau. I just couldn't seem to loose more than half a pound or so before I would gain it back. At first, undaunted, I figured I'd just keep fighting the good fight and eventually good nutrition, etc. would win out. Well, after a few weeks, I decided to start trying to change things. I increased my exercise, tried drinking more water, even a chinese herbal "weight loss" tea (which happens to be quite tasty). No luck.
Still, I've stayed on the straight and narrow with my eating habits but, I haven't been eating enough calories to meet my goal for quite a while now. So, I thought maybe my body wasn't getting enough fuel and tried to eat more calories. No luck.
After all that, I started adding 10-20 min workouts to my morning and paying closer attention to the balance of protein and carbs I'm getting. And now I've started gaining weight!
Has anyone had success breaking through plateaus that they can share? Or a similar experience? I'm so confused! I feel like I'm doing everything as right as I can and yet I'm gaining weight!
Thanks!!
PS no, it's not a time of the month thing. it's a week early for bloating and this issue has been going on for probably over a month already.
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I've had the same issue except it's been 2 years now.
I'd suggest if you are at the start of a plateau, you change up your exercise and eating routines. Also, be sure to take measurements. When I did lose 30 lbs 2 years ago, I first gained 5 then went on to lose that 30 + the 5 I gained. The reason for the gain? I was building muscle. Whatever you do, don't give up getting on to being a healthier you!
Posted by liha on Feb. 25, 2010 at 03:57PM |
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liha, if you've lost two dress sizes, then you've lost body fat EVEN IF you haven't lost any weight.
The same volume of muscle weighs more than fat does. If you are working out and gaining new muscle, it is entirely possible that you simply gained the same weight in muscle that you lost in fat. Otherwise, your dress size wouldn't have changed!
That's why experts recommend that you track your measurement, not just your weight. Ever watch weight loss or personal training shows on TV? They are usually as focused on "inches lost" as weight loss.
If your measurements are going down, you are losing fat, even if your weight is the same or even a bit more.
Posted by dianebl on Feb. 25, 2010 at 11:51PM |
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Thanks!Thanks for the input, guys. One thing, though, my scale tracks body fat and that went up directly in relation with my weight. I guess it's possible that it's not all that accurate of a body fat measurement, but usually the trends are real. The last few days I've been concentrating on getting up to my calorie goal, or as close as possible. So far, I'm seeing some results. It's only a difference of 200-300 calories from what I was eating, but it is forcing me to eat more often (which is hard when I'm super busy), but it seems to be helping. Hopefully the trend will continue! Btw, I agree about the measurement thing, I just don't really have the time for that kind of tracking. I usually go by how my pants fit, and since they've been getting looser even as my scale says I've gained weight, maybe I shouldn't get too frustrated? Posted by Jaemi on Feb. 26, 2010 at 01:04PM |
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same issue hereIve been stuck too on the lbs but I cna see a difference in my body so I am not giving up. I figure the muscle I am buidling has to be burnign the fat since I started weights and cardio 3 months ago. Most days I get close to my calorie goals but dont meet them. I really have hard time eating that much food if I eat right. I'm lookign for new foods to eat healthier though ... trying to put together a gracery list for the week of good foods. Posted by Debbie911 on May. 12, 2010 at 12:35AM |
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Measurements, and one plateau-busterGood suggestions here. I frequently have to remind myself that if I'm lifting more, my clothes are fitting better, and I can do harder cardio, then it doesn't matter WHAT the scale says (and yes, mine tracks body fat too), I'm doing the right things. Gaining muscle, losing fat. I've learned I have to ignore my scale sometimes. I had plateaued last month, and that's when I found Daily Burn :) What really helped me was managing my calorie intake very carefully. I was eating all the right foods, but easily getting over 2500 calories/day, which is way above what I need to consume to lose fat :) If you're already watching your calories so that you're not eating too many calories for your size and exercise level, then my best advice is to make sure your intensity is solid. In other words, work harder. Increase your weight or your reps (or both!) in resistance training, go faster and harder in cardio. In the end, it's all thermodynamics: calories in, calories out. But MORE IMPORTANT than that, is that healthy is beatiful, no matter its shape. If you're treating your body well, you have nothing to worry about :)Posted by chamilt on May. 13, 2010 at 10:34PM |
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flax seed millso what are you making with all that flax seed mill? I'm looking fo rnew foods to try. Thanks Posted by Debbie911 on May. 14, 2010 at 09:46PM |
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Flax Seed MealI just add it to anything! :) It blends in and gives a warm bread dough flavor to whatever it was. Mostly I have it instead of granola in my yogurt. It's full of fiber, protein and good fats, but without the sugar and extra carbs. Posted by chamilt on May. 17, 2010 at 07:26PM |
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Lots of Flaxseed, no dairy, no wheatI am new this daily burn, wanted to jazz up my routine and get new ideas. But I am a HUGE foodie, one thing that has helped me is adding flaxseed to everything....lots of fiber and omegas. Also, I have been off dairy and wheat for about two months now, and notice I don't get bloated, my energy has increased and I actually have been eating less. And it really isn't as hard as it seems. Posted by ribbongirl on May. 25, 2010 at 07:34PM |
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PlateauI just managed to break a plateau last week. I had been holding steady for over a month even though I was doing cardio 3x a week, light weight training 3x a week, and within (or close to) my calorie goals. The only thing I've changed is that on my non-cardio days I've added a run/walk of 1-2 miles. Doesn't take that long and it isn't too strenuous, but BAM - as soon as I started running, I started dropping pounds. I've weighed in a bit lower every time since. Posted by michelle123 on Jul. 19, 2010 at 01:37PM |
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P&CHello Jaemi, I am a nutrition professional so if you could give me an idea of your ratios of macros and totals as well as your typical dinner, I could give you a better idea of what is happening or more so what isnt happening. Posted by FTBIYK on Aug. 08, 2010 at 08:06PM |
